DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office Deputy Donna Richardson-Below died in the line of duty on Tuesday.

Mansfield, LA – DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office (DPSO) Deputy Donna Richardson-Below was killed in the line of duty in head-on collision on Tuesday.

The 43-year-old deputy was traveling along U.S. Highway 84 in her Ford Crown Victoria patrol vehicle at approximately 8 a.m. when a 2008 Jeep Cherokee crossed over the center line and slammed into her cruiser, KTBS reported.

Deputy Richardson-Below, who was wearing a seatbelt, died at the scene of the head-on collision, according to the Officer Down Memorial Page.

The driver of the Jeep, 33-year-old Richard Wimer, was not wearing a seatbelt, KTBS reported.

He was transported to a local hospital with moderate injuries, and toxicology samples have been obtained.

The exact cause of the fatal collision remains under investigation.

Deputy Richardson-Below served as a Louisiana Probation and Parole officer prior to joining the DPSO in January of 2019, KTBS reported.

“Deputy Richardson-Below was a beacon of light and impacted all who knew her,” the DPSO said in a Facebook post on Wednesday. “We ask you to keep her family as well as her DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office family in your prayers.”

More than 30 law enforcement vehicles escorted the fallen deputy’s body from DeSoto Parish to Paradise Funeral Home in Arcadia, KTBS reported.

“She kept the family together,” one of Deputy Richardson-Below’s cousin told the news outlet outside the funeral home. “It’s going to be a great, great loss without her.”

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office Deputy Donna Richardson-Below, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.

Rest easy, hero. We’ll hold the line from here.

Comments (7)

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No. 1-7

VicG

Feb 14

Condolences to family and department. Rest in Peace Sister...

Stanracer

Feb 14

RIP Deputy.

thomsibley1960

Feb 14

What young beautiful

Deputy Richardson-Below, you are forever BLUE rest in peace. You are forever in our hearts. My condolences to the family and friends.

SWAT

Feb 14

RIP SISTER praying for the family and her blue family

Deputy90312 rtd

Feb 14

Rest In Peace with Saint Michael and the Lord. WaynePrice

Diwatson

Feb 16

I am deeply saddened to hear of another brave officer who died in a traffic accident. My sincere condolences to Deputy Richardson’s family, friends and fellow officers. You will always live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved you. Rest In Peace Deputy Donna Richardson. Your life mattered.👮🏾💙🖤😢🙏🏻